Posted on 06/21/2010 12:50:43 PM PDT by Palter
If the solution is satisfactory to both the shopkeeper and the thief, why should the effin’ government be involved?
After much consideration, I've decided to take your word for it.
you got the right idea...
Because we are a nation of laws. It is the proper place of government to protect the citizens from criminal acts. What if the solution isn't satisfactory? Should the merchant be able to amputate a right hand on the spot for the theft of a piece of bubble gum? A gold ring? What is just? The law provides a means to discern the magnitude of the offense and the proper punishment for the offender and restitution to the victim. What does the merchant do if the thief is part of organized crime that threatens to kill the merchant if the crime is reported?
Laws are means to an end (a livable, civil society), and not an end in themselves (except maybe to lawyers and judges, of course).
Read the article. If both thief and the merchant are not satisfied with the resolution, they both have the option of calling the cops. Neither side is complaining, so its working. Its as good an example of a community policing itself as I’ve ever seen. No reason to mess it up with cops, courts, and lawyers, none of whom have either party’s best interests at heart.
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